UN Secretary General urges dialogue amid Rapid Support Forces drone attacks in Port Sudan

The United Nations held a daily press briefing on May 6, 2025, addressing critical developments in Sudan and South Sudan. The Secretary-General expressed deep concern over recent drone attacks on military and civilian infrastructure near Port Sudan Airport, reportedly executed by the Rapid Support Forces. These strikes are part of a troubling trend of retaliatory military actions between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces, targeting each other's controlled areas.

The Secretary-General emphasized that the attack on Port Sudan poses a significant threat to civilian safety and humanitarian efforts in a region that has largely avoided the severe conflict affecting other parts of Sudan. He reiterated the urgent need for dialogue between the conflicting parties to achieve an immediate cessation of hostilities and to foster an inclusive political process aimed at restoring peace and stability in the country.

On the humanitarian front, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is closely monitoring the situation following the drone strikes. Port Sudan has become a crucial hub for UN humanitarian operations across Sudan. Fortunately, the recent attacks have not directly impacted humanitarian activities or facilities in the area, allowing regular operations to continue. However, UN humanitarian air service flights to and from Port Sudan have been temporarily suspended. OCHA will continue to evaluate the situation, particularly regarding the movement of supplies and personnel into Sudan.

The briefing also highlighted the broader implications of the drone strikes, which have included attacks on power stations, leading to significant disruptions in electricity supply and access to safe drinking water for civilians, including displaced individuals and returnees. The UN called on all parties involved in the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and to avoid targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

In a related note, the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, Maria Lehi Verne, condemned a recent airstrike on a hospital in Zhongli state, which resulted in the suspension of critical medical services for over 100,000 people and the destruction of medical supplies.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for protective measures for civilians and a renewed commitment to humanitarian principles in both Sudan and South Sudan.